With a total of over 1000 cabin-class examples built since 1968, Gulfstream is clearly the dominant player in the long-range and ultra-long-range arena. Gulfstreams enjoy the flexibility of interior layout that affords an owner a choice of forward or aft galleys. The forward galley configuration allows for greater privacy in the cabin during cruise, even though they are not as common as the aft galley configuration.

The Gulfstream signature oval windows induce greater ambient cabin light and enhance the cabin appeal. These jets place perennially in first place for service and support around the world and are very payload capable.

The earlier GIV’s were given a payload ( gross weight ) boost as a result of overly ambitious interior outfitting. However, the successor, the GIVSP, does not have any noticeable performance / range advantage.

Buyers could ( as a number of Aviatrade clients have done ) opt to acquire a GIV and re-outfit with a lightweight interior using materials / components that were not available in the late ’80’s. However, if vintage is an important consideration, the GIVSP later models ( and the GIVEP ) are preferred for their overall improvements.

The latest iteration, the G450, has later digital avionics that create more space forward of the cabin door and reduce basic weight. The G450 also has approximately 200-250nm additonal range, somewhere in the region of 9.5-9.75 hrs if flown properly.

The Gulfstream GV was the quantum leap in range capability in 1995 and has been succeeded by the G550 ( the GVSP was the previous model name of the G550 ). Oddly enough, although the GV is capable of some 13 hours non-stop, the average stage length for the GV is a mere 2.5 hours.

The G550 advances the GV capabilities and mirrors the same improvements as the G450 over the GIVSP. The tweaking of the range capability matches the competition but is not a significant improvement in terms of city pairs on a consistent basis.

The G650 will enter service in 2012. This latest Gulfstream offering will yet again raise the bar for avionics sophistication, cabin amenities and volume, performance and range in the ultra-long-range segment of the business aircraft marketplace.

The Spey-engined Gulfstreams…the Gulfstream GII, Gulfstream GIIB and Gulfstream GIII are unfortunately continuing their one-way trip to the breakers yard. The numbers for sale do not take into account the large number of these vintage Gulfstreams that have been idled or already parted-out for spares. The cost of hush-kits has dropped dramatically and there really can’t be much life left in the hush-kit program. Recent new noise regulations will only hasten this demise. Such a shame because these are essentially vintage Rolls-Royce’s.

The Gulfstream GIV and GIVSP are also seeing a continuation of their price slides. Gulfstream GIV’s have found at least a temporary bottom at around $5MM and there needs to be quite some justification for any better return. Gulfstream GIVSP’s have long ago broken the $10MM pricing and all appear to be headed downwards.

Gulfstream GV’s…..this must be considered the best deal around for a long-range aircraft. The goal for any buyer should be to pick one of the late model (2000 onwards) GV’s and pressure the sale for a good deal. There has been a four-fold increase in availability over the past six months.

The small and mid-size Gulfstreams have been holding up slighlty better. The Gulfstream G200 fared quite well in 2012….fifteen retail sales. This resulted from a combination of buyers at both ends of the scale., however, once again no real price sustainability and nearly all G200’s are selling below $10MM. From all accounts, the Gulfstream G280 is selling well but the retail price is being discounted, presumably in an effort to gain market share in this very competitive category.

The Gulfstream G450 market has had a peculiar ride lately. There have been very few sales over the past twelve months and prices have trickled down for even the best examples. Also interesting is the fact that the latest model (truly available at a reasonable price) is a 2009 model G450. There are now seventeen or so for sale. No doubt Gulfstream will be announcing the G450 successor before too long and this will probably flush out more offerings and put more downward pressure on the G450 sale prices.

The G550 has experienced inventory ’bloat’ in the past six months (albeit still only 4% fleet availability). This has been accompanied by some activity in the bargain-hunting department. The lowest price Gulfstream G550’s are down below $30MM while the top end are still commanding low $40MM’s.